Abstract: The spool shaft of a spinning-type fishing reel is provided with a friction brake. The brake has plural disks axially biased against a stationary housing part by a spring to normally hold the spool shaft from rotating except upon an application of force applied against the spool, e.g. by a fish, beyond desired level. The force of the spring determining the brake force is adjusted by turning a knob at the rear of the reel. However, this adjustment can be modified by a second brake adjustment in the form of a manually operated level which enables the angler to control instantaneously the unwinding of the spool independently of the first brake adjustment. The second brake adjustment may act through mechanical linkage or a combination of linkage and a fluid system.